A Celebration
to Remember

Amigos, Música, & Champions of the Immigrant Community

Our Tree of Life Honoree Luncheon 2026

The energy from this year’s Tree of Life Honoree Luncheon was truly inspiring. This gathering brought together over 330 people to celebrate
our collective impact and the contributions of seven spectacular honorees.

To follow are highlights from the day—moments that capture the spirit, connections, and multi-sector ecosystem that fuels our missions, shapes immigrant justice in our state, and makes Encuentro’s Tree of Life event so special.

Congratulations
to our 2026 Honorees

This year, seven outstanding community leaders were honored with Encuentro’s Tree of Life Award; a recognition of their incredible contributions and the many ways they help

our community flourish and grow.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Gerald “Jerry” Ortiz y Pino

Former NM State Senator

Seeds of Change Award

Elsa López

Program Manager, NMWomen.org

Fruits of Generosity Award

W.K. Kellogg Foundation

Accepted by Chamiza Pacheco de Alas

Director of New Mexico Programs

Roots of Resilience Award

Ted Martinez

Retired Community Leader

Blossoms of Innovation Award

Ana López

Promotora Program Manager, Enlace Comunitario

Branches of Unity Award

Sara Yvonne “Bonnie” Escobar

Executive Director, Enlace Comunitario

Leaves of Service Award

Pauline Lucero

Owner, Corazón Training & Consulting

“Los Trinos”, the talented duet

of Chuy Martinez & Otilio Ruiz, brought warmth and joy with their beautiful live music.

The first ever Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by the Speaker of the House Javier Martinez to Gerald “Jerry” Ortiz Y Pino for his decades of public service.

One of the most moving moments of the afternoon came as our Executive Director, Andrea Plaza, shared a heartfelt message while presenting

the Roots of Resilience Award to Ted Martinez—a lifelong champion

for educational access and opportunity.

Guille Morales shared a powerful testimonial about how Encuentro’s educational programs and the sense of belonging she feels as an Encuentroler@s, have profoundly impacted her life.

Mariachi San José from Albuquerque High School took the stage, enriching the celebration with cultural richness and tradition by recognizing the 90th birthday of honoree Ted Martinez with Las Mañanitas.

In times like these, creating beauty is an act of resistance.

An original painting by local artist Jade Leyva was unveiled; “Encontrando Vida” (Finding Life) captures the spirit of our community and will be the visual identity of this annual event moving forward.

This piece reflects the journey of finding life through community—where roots hold our histories, branches reach toward possibility, and each bloom represents hope, resilience, and belonging.

A heartfelt gracias to our staff, volunteers, students, and amigos who made this event such a success! 2026 Tree of Life Sponsors

2026 Tree of Life Sponsors

We are so grateful for the sponsors whose generosity make this event

– and Encuentro’s work – possible!

The Tree of Life Honoree Luncheon is more than a celebration— it’s a reflection of what’s possible when a community comes together to uplift, support, and create lasting change.

Your support helps nurture the roots of opportunity, strengthen the branches of resilience, and ensure that immigrant families continue to thrive.

The post Amigos, Música, & Champions of the Immigrant Community: Our Tree of Life Honoree Luncheon 2026 appeared first on Encuentro Nuevo Mexico.

March 20, 2026
11:30-1:30
National Hispanic Cultural Center
1701 4th Street SW, Albuquerque

Join us on March 20, 2026, for Encuentro’s third annual Tree of Life Honoree Luncheon, celebrating seven leaders who have made a significant impact on our Latinx immigrant community.

This event honors those who plant seeds of hope, nurture growth, and demonstrate transformative leadership, collaboration, and advocacy. Each Tree of Life award recognizes the vital role honorees have played in fostering community vitality!

Sponsorship Opportunities Await!

Each year, Encuentro’s Tree of Life Honoree Luncheon uplifts champions whose leadership, generosity, and advocacy strengthen the Latinx immigrant community across New Mexico.

For the 2026 Tree of Life Awards, 23 nominations were submitted by members of the community. Nominations were reviewed by a five-member selection committee using clearly defined criteria aligned with each award category.

Selected honorees were notified in December and will be formally recognized at the Tree of Life Honoree Luncheon on March 20. Together, they represent the strength, vision, and collective care that allow our community—and Encuentro—to continue to grow and flourish.

Roots of Resilience Honoree
Recognizing exceptional leadership.

Ted Martinez
Retired Community Leader

Ted Martinez, son of a Mexican immigrant, has dedicated his life to improving opportunities for Latinos and immigrants. In 1986, he became president of TVI (now CNM), expanding programs for immigrants. From Albuquerque’s first Hispano school board member in 1968 to volunteering with Tucson Samaritans, he has championed bilingual education, access, and humanitarian aid throughout his life.

Leaves of Service Honoree
Recognizing individual contributions

Pauline Lucero
CEO of Corazón Training & Consulting

Pauline is a bilingual mental health therapist and nationally recognized trainer who empowers professionals and communities addressing complex child abuse and trauma. She brings decades of expertise working with Native American communities and individuals with disabilities, fostering culturally responsive, trauma-informed care. Her dedication to education, advocacy, and wellness has shaped countless professionals and strengthened vulnerable populations.

Branches of Unity Honoree
Recognizing collaboration

Sara Yvonne
“Bonnie” Escobar

Enlace Comunitario‘s Executive Director

Bonnie is Executive Director of Enlace Comunitario, where she advances wellness, cultural pride, and healing while leading programs that have served over 15,000 clients. A passionate advocate for women, Latinos, and survivors of domestic violence, she brings decades of leadership in nonprofit strategy, community engagement, and systemic change, transforming vision into action across New Mexico and the border region.

Seeds of Change Honoree
Recognizing advocacy, policy, and civic action

Elsa López
Program Manager of NewMexicoWomen.org

Elsa is an immigrant justice leader driven by racial and economic justice. She has spent decades organizing in New Mexico, winning college access and driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants, advancing worker protections, and limiting law-enforcement collaboration. Inspired by New Mexican families, she supports and empowers grassroots movements.

Blossoms of Innovation Honoree
Recognizing innovation

Ana López

Promotora Program Manager of
Enlace Comunitario

Ana López is a prevention professional specializing in domestic violence and sexual assault education. She leads Enlace Comunitario’s Promotora Program, Promotoras de Bienestar Familiar, and Voces Unidas, designing culturally responsive, trauma-informed programs that empower Latina immigrant women, strengthen families, and foster community well-being. Ana combines program leadership, mentorship, and evidence-based prevention education to promote healing, inclusion, and long-term social change.

Fruits of Generosity Honoree
Recognizing organizational contributions

Founded in 1930 by Will Keith Kellogg, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation is a major U.S. philanthropy dedicated to ensuring all children can thrive. It partners with communities in the U.S., tribal nations, and abroad, focusing on high-poverty regions including Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico, New Orleans, Mexico, and Haiti, worldwide impact.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Gerald “Jerry” Ortiz Y Pino
Retired Senator

Senator Gerald “Jerry” Ortiz y Pino dedicated decades to public service and advocacy for New Mexico’s Latinx and immigrant communities. From his early work in child welfare and social services to 20 years in the State Senate, he championed health, education, and community development. Jerry’s leadership created opportunities, promoted equity, and strengthened the well-being of families across New Mexico.

Limited Sponsorship available!

Are you ready to honor these CHAMPIONS?

Confirm sponsorship by February 16, 2026 to guarantee benefits.

CLICK HERE FOR SPONSORHIPS OPPORTUNITIES

Individual Tickets sales will open on February 16, 2026

For more information contact Julia Cusatis

at julia@encuentronm.org

or call (505) 247-2920

Each sponsorship funds Encuentro’s programs and initiatives to uplift our Latinx immigrant community and provide essential resources for education, community engagement and advocacy.

The post Cultivate Growth: Be a Tree of Life Sponsor! appeared first on Encuentro Nuevo Mexico.

Seven exceptional leaders will also receive Encuentro’s Tree of Life Award—a meaningful recognition that honors individuals whose leadership plants seeds of transformation, nurtures growth, and is deeply rooted in the vitality and futureof our community. Together, they represent the interconnected strength that sustains Encuentro’s mission and the Latinx immigrant community.

Join us for this special celebration!

More details about our honorees and sponsorship opportunities will be shared soon. The RSVP site will open in early February.

The post Mark Your Calendar: Tree of Life Honoree Luncheon 2026 appeared first on Encuentro Nuevo Mexico.

Nuestro equipo de periodismo comunitario conversó con Sovereign Hager, Directora de Beneficios Públicos del New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty, para entender qué está cambiando, cómo impactan estos recortes a programas como asistencia alimentaria, salud y apoyo económico, y qué significa todo esto para nuestras comunidades en Nuevo México.

En esta entrevista desglosamos información clave, aclaramos dudas frecuentes y resaltamos la importancia de mantenernos informados ante cambios en políticas públicas.

Te invitamos a escuchar la conversación completa y compartirla con quienes puedan verse afectados.

In this episode of Tu Voz Digital, we dive into an urgent conversation about public benefits and how federal funding cuts are impacting the systems many families rely on.

Our community journalism team spoke with Sovereign Hager, Director of Public Benefits at the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty, to better understand what is changing, how federal reductions affect programs like food, healthcare, and cash assistance, and what this means for our communities in New Mexico.

Together, we break down what families need to know, address common concerns, and highlight the importance of staying informed during times of policy shifts.

Listen to the full conversation and share it with those who may be directly impacted.

The post Hablemos Sobre Beneficios Públicos appeared first on Encuentro Nuevo Mexico.

Durante este diálogo hablamos sobre la realidad del cáncer de seno en nuestra comunidad, la importancia de la detección temprana, los recursos disponibles y el papel fundamental que juega la comunidad en el acompañamiento y la prevención.

Esta conversación busca visibilizar un diagnóstico que impacta a muchas familias, romper el silencio y compartir información clara, culturalmente relevante y llena de esperanza.

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, join our community journalism team for a special conversation with the organization De Comadre a Comadre, featuring Dr. Elba Saavedra and Carmen Gloria Hulsey, CCHW and Patient Navigator with the program Sin Miedo y con Esperanza.

In this dialogue, we discuss the realities of breast cancer in our community, the importance of early detection, available resources, and the critical role community plays in prevention and support.

This conversation aims to shed light on a diagnosis that affects many families, break the silence, and share clear, culturally relevant information grounded in hope.

The post Hablemos Sobre El Cancer de Seno appeared first on Encuentro Nuevo Mexico.

Do you know a community leader who uplifts and strengthens the Latinx immigrant community in New Mexico?
It’s time to honor their impact! Encuentro is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Tree of Life Awards, which recognize six outstanding leaders or organizations whose work plants seeds of change, inspires growth, and strengthens our shared roots.

Each year, the Tree of Life Honoree Luncheon celebrates the many ways individuals, organizations, and businesses nurture the growth, strength, and sustainability of Encuentro and our Latinx immigrant community.

This event is not only a celebration—it’s also a moment to reflect on the power of collaboration and collective impact that make our community thrive.

Nomination Deadline: October 27, 2025, at 11:59 PM MST
Awards Ceremony: Tree of Life Honoree Luncheon
Date: March 20, 2026 | 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Location: National Hispanic Cultural Center

Save the Date! Join us to celebrate those who dedicate their lives to justice, opportunity, and hope for immigrant families in Albuquerque and beyond.

To nominate, scan the QR code on our flyer or complete the online nomination form:
Tree of Life Nomination Form
You may also request a physical form by emailing cristina@encuentronm.org or by visiting Encuentro’s office at 907 Fourth St SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102.

Eligibility and Selection

Nominations are open to the public. Anyone can nominate an individual, organization, or business that has made a positive impact on the Latinx immigrant community in New Mexico.
(Please note: current Encuentro staff and instructors are not eligible.)

A community-based selection committee will review nominations in November 2025. Finalists will be notified in December, and honorees will be recognized at the March 2026 luncheon.

Award Categories

Seeds of Change Award – Honors advocacy and civic action that plant seeds for systems change.
Roots of Resilience Award – Recognizes exceptional leadership that strengthens our immigrant community.
Blossoms of Innovation Award – Celebrates creativity and forward-thinking ideas that create opportunity and growth.
Branches of Unity Award – Honors organizations that build collaboration and partnerships.
Leaves of Service Award – Recognizes dedicated volunteers and supporters whose service sustains Encuentro’s growth.
Fruits of Generosity Award – Acknowledges organizations whose generosity nourishes our shared mission.

Help us honor those who plant seeds of change, inspire growth, and strengthen our shared roots.
#TreeOfLifeAward #EncuentroNM #LatinxLeaders #CommunityImpact #Treeoflifehonoreeluncheon2026

Versión en Español

¿Conoces a un líder u organización que inspira, apoya y fortalece a la comunidad inmigrante Latinx en Nuevo México?
¡Es momento de reconocer su impacto! Encuentro abre oficialmente las nominaciones para los Premios Árbol de la Vida 2026, un reconocimiento que celebra a seis líderes o instituciones que siembran semillas de cambio, inspiran crecimiento y fortalecen nuestras raíces compartidas.

Cada año, el Almuerzo de Honores “Tree of Life” celebra las múltiples formas en que individuos, organizaciones y empresas ayudan a nutrir el crecimiento, la fortaleza y la sostenibilidad de Encuentro y de nuestra comunidad inmigrante Latinx.

Este evento no solo es una celebración, sino también un momento para reflexionar sobre el poder de la colaboración y el impacto colectivo que hacen florecer a nuestra comunidad.

Fecha límite de nominación: 27 de octubre de 2025, a las 11:59 PM MST
Ceremonia de premiación: Almuerzo de Honores del Árbol de la Vida
Fecha: 20 de marzo de 2026 | 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Lugar: National Hispanic Cultural Center

¡Guarden la fecha! Acompáñennos a celebrar a quienes dedican su vida a la justicia, la oportunidad y la esperanza para las familias inmigrantes en Albuquerque y más allá.

Para nominar, escanea el código QR o completa el formulario en línea:
Formulario de Nominación Árbol de la Vida
También puedes solicitar un formulario físico escribiendo a cristina@encuentronm.org o visitando la oficina de Encuentro en 907 Fourth St SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102.

Criterios de Elegibilidad y Selección

Las nominaciones están abiertas al público. Cualquier persona puede nominar a un individuo, grupo, negocio u organización que haya tenido un impacto positivo en la comunidad inmigrante Latinx de Nuevo México.
(Nota: el personal actual de Encuentro no es elegible.)

Un comité comunitario seleccionará a los homenajeados en noviembre de 2025. Los finalistas serán notificados en diciembre, y los premios se entregarán en marzo de 2026 durante el almuerzo de honores.

Categorías de los Premios

Semillas de Cambio – Reconoce la defensa y acción cívica que siembran semillas para un cambio estructural.
Raíces de Resiliencia – Honra el liderazgo excepcional que fortalece a nuestra comunidad inmigrante.
Flores de Innovación – Celebra la creatividad y las ideas que generan oportunidad y crecimiento.
Ramas de Unidad – Reconoce a organizaciones que fomentan la colaboración y construyen puentes.
Hojas de Servicio – Destaca a voluntarios y donantes cuyo compromiso fortalece el crecimiento de Encuentro.
Frutos de Generosidad – Agradece a las organizaciones cuya generosidad nutre nuestra misión compartida.

Ayúdanos a honrar a quienes siembran semillas de cambio, inspiran crecimiento y fortalecen nuestras raíces.
#PremiosÁrbolDeLaVida #EncuentroNM #LíderesLatinx #ImpactoComunitario #Treeoflifehonoreeluncheon2026

The post 🌳 Tree of Life Awards 2026: Nominations Are Now Open! / ¡Premios Árbol de la Vida 2026: Nominaciones Abierta appeared first on Encuentro Nuevo Mexico.

Durante la entrevista, hablamos sobre los servicios disponibles, recursos para personas en búsqueda de empleo, apoyo para trabajadores y empleadores, programas de capacitación, cómo presentar denuncias por robo de salario o abusos laborales, y qué hacer si tus derechos en el trabajo han sido violados. También abordamos cómo acceder a oportunidades que fortalecen la estabilidad económica de nuestras comunidades.

Te invitamos a escuchar esta conversación y compartirla con quienes puedan beneficiarse de esta información.

In this episode of Tu Voz Digital, we spoke with Leonardo Castañeda, Senior Policy Advisor at the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, to learn how the department supports New Mexico’s workforce.

In our conversation, we discuss available services, job search resources, support for workers and employers, workforce training programs, how to report wage theft or workplace abuses, and what steps to take if your labor rights have been violated. We also explain how individuals can access opportunities that strengthen economic stability across our communities.

Tune in and share this important information with those who may benefit.

The post Hablemos sobre el Departamento de Soluciones Laborales appeared first on Encuentro Nuevo Mexico.

El 1 de septiembre de 2025, miles de trabajadores, familias y miembros de la comunidad se reunieron en la Plaza Cívica, en el centro de Albuquerque, para la protesta del Día del Trabajo titulada “Trabajadores sobre multimillonarios”. Entre los participantes se encontraban maestros, sindicatos, trabajadores de posgrado y organizaciones progresistas, todos unidos con un mensaje claro: defender a la clase trabajadora y exigir un futuro más justo y equitativo.

Este evento formó parte de un movimiento nacional, con marchas que tuvieron lugar en todo el país. En Albuquerque, los sindicatos y organizaciones locales animaron a la multitud con consignas y discursos que resonaron por las calles de la ciudad. La manifestación destacó la importancia de los derechos laborales, la rendición de cuentas corporativa y la lucha por la democracia. Los manifestantes expresaron su fuerte oposición a las políticas promulgadas durante la administración Trump, enfatizando los efectos negativos sobre las protecciones laborales, la educación y las familias trabajadoras. Los carteles y cánticos transmitieron un mensaje contundente: los trabajadores —no los multimillonarios— son la columna vertebral de esta nación.

Encuentro se une a los trabajadores

Encuentro se unió con orgullo a la marcha de este año, caminando junto a sindicatos, educadores, defensores de los inmigrantes y aliados. Nuestra presencia refleja nuestra misión: apoyar a las familias trabajadoras, promover la educación de adultos y fortalecer las trayectorias profesionales que hacen crecer a nuestra comunidad. Para nosotros, el Día del Trabajo no solo se trata de honrar las luchas pasadas de los trabajadores, sino también de avanzar en la lucha actual por salarios justos, condiciones laborales seguras y oportunidades para todos, especialmente para las familias inmigrantes y latinas que con frecuencia están en la primera línea del trabajo esencial.

 Un movimiento en crecimiento

Según los organizadores, más de 6.000 personas asistieron a la manifestación en Albuquerque, lo que la convierte en una de las celebraciones del Día del Trabajo más grandes de los últimos años. La diversidad de organizaciones participantes —desde los Teamsters y los Trabajadores de las Comunicaciones hasta el Partido por el Socialismo y la Liberación y la Coalición del Suroeste por Palestina— demostró el poder de la solidaridad en torno a diferentes causas.

Encuentro se enorgullece de ser parte de este movimiento. Juntos, estamos forjando una visión de Nuevo México donde los trabajadores, no los multimillonarios, marcan el camino hacia la justicia y la equidad.

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

On September 1, 2025, thousands of workers, families, and community members gathered at Civic Plaza in downtown Albuquerque for the “Workers Over Billionaires” Labor Day protest. Participants included teachers, trade unions, graduate workers, and progressive organizations, all united in a clear message: stand up for working people and demand a fairer, more just future. This event was part of a national movement, with marches taking place across the country. In Albuquerque, local unions and organizations rallied the crowd with chants and speeches that resonated throughout the city streets. The rally highlighted workers’ rights, corporate accountability, and the fight for democracy. Protesters expressed strong opposition to policies enacted during the Trump administration, emphasizing the adverse effects on labor protections, education, and working families. Signs and chants conveyed the message that working people — not billionaires — are the backbone of this nation.  

Encuentro Stands with Workers

Encuentro proudly joined this year’s march, standing alongside unions, educators, immigrant advocates, and allies. Our presence reflects our mission: to support working families, promote adult education, and strengthen career pathways that uplift our community. For us, Labor Day is not only about honoring the past struggles of workers but also about advancing the current fight for fair wages, safe working conditions, and opportunities for all — especially for immigrant and Latino families who are often on the front lines of essential labor.

A Growing Movement

According to organizers, more than 6,000 people attended the Albuquerque demonstration, making it one of the largest Labor Day events in recent years. The diversity of participating organizations — from the Teamsters and Communications Workers to the Party for Socialism and Liberation and the Southwestern Coalition for Palestine — showcased the power of solidarity across various issues. Encuentro is proud to be part of this movement. Together, we are shaping a vision of New Mexico where workers, not billionaires, lead the way toward justice and equity.

The post Workers Over Billionaires: Labor Day 2025 in Albuquerque appeared first on Encuentro Nuevo Mexico.

En nuestra conversación con Delia Miramonte, facilitadora del programa, exploramos cómo AP-OD trabaja desde un modelo basado en evidencia, escuchando profundamente las preocupaciones, sueños y metas de madres y padres para crear iniciativas que realmente respondan a sus necesidades.

Descubrimos cómo, a través de facilitadores locales y una red nacional en crecimiento, el programa fortalece el liderazgo familiar y crea comunidad en todo el país.

Te invitamos a escuchar esta entrevista y compartirla con otras familias que puedan beneficiarse de esta valiosa información.

youtube.com/watch?v=056Vn0xIxPo&feature=youtu.be

In this new episode of Tu Voz Digital, we invite you to learn more about AP-OD (Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors), a national, evidence-based organization founded in 2007 to support Latino and Spanish-speaking families with young children.

In our conversation with Delia Miramonte, a program facilitator, we explored how AP-OD centers parents’ voices—listening deeply to their concerns, hopes, and dreams—and builds initiatives that truly respond to their needs.

We also learned how local facilitators and a growing national network are strengthening family leadership and building community across the country.

Tune in to listen to the full conversation and share it with families who can benefit from these valuable resources.

The post Hablemos sobre el Programa “Abriendo Puertas” appeared first on Encuentro Nuevo Mexico.

Querida Comunidad,

La Junta Directiva de Encuentro se complace en anunciar la contratación de Andrea Plaza como la nueva Directora Ejecutiva de Encuentro.

Como una de las fundadoras de la organización, Andrea cuenta con una amplia trayectoria dentro de Encuentro, así como un profundo conocimiento en liderazgo comunitario, defensa de los derechos de personas inmigrantes, gestión de organizaciones sin fines de lucro, educación y desarrollo laboral. Esto la convierte en una elección natural para liderar la organización.

Andrea aporta estabilidad a Encuentro en estos tiempos desafiantes y comparte un firme compromiso con nuestra misión de construir un Nuevo México próspero mediante la educación y el desarrollo profesional de familias inmigrantes latinas.

Andrea expresó su entusiasmo al asumir este nuevo rol de liderazgo:
???? “La vida está llena de giros inesperados, ¡y el universo me ha guiado de regreso a Encuentro! Me siento agradecida por la oportunidad de volver a trabajar con nuestra increíble comunidad inmigrante y estoy lista para apoyar a la organización mientras navegamos estos tiempos difíciles y avanzamos hacia nuevas oportunidades.”

A medida que Encuentro continúa siendo un faro de esperanza y oportunidad para algunas de las comunidades más vulnerables, la Junta Directiva confía en que la experiencia y visión de Andrea guiarán a la organización hacia una nueva etapa de crecimiento e impacto.

Todo el equipo de Encuentro espera seguir colaborando con nuestra red de líderes comunitarios, aliados y personas solidarias para fortalecer nuestros pilares fundamentales: ampliar el acceso a habilidades para la vida y el trabajo, crear caminos hacia la independencia financiera y fomentar el liderazgo comunitario entre las personas a quienes servimos.

???? Les invitamos a unirse a nosotros para darle una cálida bienvenida a Andrea de regreso a la comunidad de Encuentro.

Con gratitud,
La Junta Directiva de Encuentro

Dear Community,

The Board of Directors is pleased to announce the hiring of Andrea Plaza as the new Executive Director of Encuentro. As one of the founders of Encuentro, Andrea’s many years of experience with the organization, combined with a deep knowledge of community leadership, immigrant advocacy, nonprofit management, education, and workforce development topics, make Andrea a natural choice to lead the organization.

Andrea brings stability to the organization during these challenging times, and she shares a deep commitment to Encuentro’s mission to build a thriving New Mexico by engaging Latinx immigrant families through education and career development.

Andrea is excited to rejoin the organization in the leadership role. Upon being notified of her selection as Executive Director, she commented, “Life is full of unexpected twists, and the universe has guided me back to Encuentro! I feel grateful for the opportunity to work with our amazing immigrant community again, and ready to support the organization as we navigate these challenging times and move on to greater opportunities!”

As Encuentro continues to be a beacon of hope and opportunity for some of the most vulnerable in our community, the Board is confident that Andrea’s experience and vision will guide Encuentro through this next chapter of growth and impact.

All of us at Encuentro look forward to collaborating with an amazing network of community leaders, partners and supporters to advance our core pillars of work – expanding access to life and career skills, creating pathways to financial independence and community leadership development for all whom we serve.

Please join us in welcoming Andrea back to the Encuentro community!

With gratitude,

Encuentro Board of Directors

The post Welcome Back Andrea Plaza: Encuentro’s New Executive Director appeared first on Encuentro Nuevo Mexico.